Frequently Asked Questions for Exchange students

Application questions

When should I apply for admission?

The earlier you apply, the better opportunities you will have to get your first preferences in course selection and housing. Most undergraduates in the U.S. apply 9-12 months prior to their date of entry. Deadlines are April 1 for Fall Semester and October 1 for Spring Semester.

Do I need to provide transcripts as part of my Exchange Student Application?

You must submit official academic transcripts from your home institution. This is necessary to determine if you have met the prerequisites for the courses that you have requested.

Do I need to provide proof of financial support?

You should provide proof of sufficient financial resources to cover your living expenses for the duration of your stay. Please see the Exchange Student Financial Agreement for estimates of expenses.

May I apply to study as a graduate student?

If you have earned a bachelor's or advanced degree from a non-U.S. college or university, you may be considered for graduate study. Your institution must be recognized by the Ministry of Education of your country, and the number of years of study and the requirements for the degree must be comparable to those of Iowa State University.

I will be returning home shortly. What address do I use?

Please list both addresses, and indicate dates you can be reached at each of them so that we know where to send your admission letter and visa forms. Please contact the Study Abroad Center if your contact information changes.

How do I answer Question 14 on the application?

Applicants who have been charged with a violation of law who answer 'yes' to Question 14 on the application may be required to furnish the university with copies of all official documentation explaining the final disposition of the proceedings. If your records have been expunged pursuant to applicable law, you are not required to answer 'yes' to that question. An answer of 'yes' will not automatically exclude you from admission, but it will be considered when evaluating your application. If you are unsure whether you should answer 'yes' to this question, we suggest that you answer 'yes' and fully disclose all incidents. By doing so, you can avoid any risk of disciplinary action or revocation of an offer of admission.

Do I need to submit TOEFL scores?

If English is not your first language, a score of 68 (71 for engineering) on the IBT; 173 (197 for engineering courses) on the Computer-Based TOEFL or 500 (530 for engineering courses) on the Paper-Based TOEFL is required at the time you apply for admission. Please provide an official copy of the score; student copies will not be accepted.

ISU program questions

Where can I find information on class offerings and schedules?

The course bulletin, where you can find course descriptions and schedules, is available on-line at http://classes.iastate.edu.

How many credits can I take as an exchange student?

You must take a full-time course of study to fulfill the requirements of your visa. That is a minimum of 12 credits for undergraduates, 9 credits for graduates; however, undergraduates typically take 15-16 credits; graduates typically take 12.

How do I register for classes?

Your admission letter will tell you into which college you have been admitted. Contact the nondegree student advisor of that college to assist you with registration:

If applying or accepted as an undergraduate, may I still enroll in graduate classes?

If you wish to take only graduate classes, you should apply as a graduate exchange student. Classes at ISU are listed by name and by level (100- to 600-level). Generally speaking, undergraduate students study at the 100- to 400-level. The lower level (100-299) classes are introductory and general in nature while the higher level (300-499) classes are more specialized. 500- and 600-level classes are considered post-graduate. 500-599 courses may be open to qualified undergraduates with special permission. 600-level courses are restricted to graduate students only.

If I want to enroll in a degree program later, will the credits I complete as an exchange student apply to a degree program?

Undergraduates: There is no limit to the number of undergraduate semester credits that may be accepted at the undergraduate level; however, your last 32 semester credits must be earned at ISU. To enroll as a degree-seeking undergraduate, submit an application for undergraduate admission, application fee, and official transcripts from your high school and all colleges and universities attended.

If you are admitted, your academic adviser will determine how courses taken as an undergraduate exchange student will apply to the specific undergraduate degree program you choose. Graduate courses taken as an undergraduate nondegree student will not be accepted into a graduate degree program.

Graduates: Up to 9 semester credits of graduate courses taken as a nondegree graduate student may be accepted toward a graduate degree program. To enroll as a degree-seeking graduate student, submit an application for graduate admission, application fee, official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, proof of any degrees earned, GRE scores, and 3 letters of recommendation.

If you are admitted, your Program of Study Committee will recommend to the Graduate College which of your graduate courses (if any) will count toward your degree program.

Visa

What should I do if I am planning to be in the U.S. as a tourist, student, or intern immediately before the beginning of my exchange?

It is important that you contact International Students and Scholars, [phone: (515) 294-1120, fax: (515) 294-8263, email: intlserv@iastate.edu to discuss your particular situation. It may not be possible to change your visa status within the U.S.

How do I obtain a visa?

Students participating in bilateral exchange programs will receive the Form DS-2019 (formerly called the IAP-66) directly from International Students and Scholars at ISU. This form should be taken to the U.S. embassy or consulate nearest your home in order to obtain a J-1 visa. The J-1 visa entitles you to remain in the U.S. until the end of your program of study, plus a thirty-day grace period.

For students coming to Ames through ISEP, the ISEP office will issue your DS-2019. These forms are usually sent in November for students starting classes in January and in June for Fall semester.